An Igbo fireside song from eastern Nigeria. The first half of the poem describes an act of kindness to a small bird. The second half describes a reverence for life which is its own reward. We are not sure what the chorus “Ngalama” refers to, if any Igbo readers could enlighten us please get in touch.

I was working quietly in my own farmNgalama
A small bird came flying inNgalama
Told me to dip water for itNgalama
I took the drinking horn of Dwa OloloNgalama
Dipped up water for the small birdNgalama
The small bird drank and drankNgalama
Drank the horn to its dregsNgalama
Daughters, ah, they are the moonNgalama
The moon which shines in the father’s compoundNgalama
Men are fine yamsNgalama
Fine yams which danced in the squareNgalama
Ee ee ee Nwa Mmeo, son of Are (1)Ngalama